Lisa recommends

This historical fantasy involves three sisters, suitors, tea parties, a Brotherhood, a Sisterhood, mind magic, and a prophecy. Cate, the eldest Cahill, has been looking after her sisters ever since their mother died. She is about to come of age and must choose either marriage or joining the Sisterhood. All she can think about, though, is trying to keep secret the fact that she and her sisters are witches. When she receives a mysterious note and uncovers her mother's diary, she realizes that her families family's future might be tied to an old prophecy. This first of three books will have have you wondering whether the Cahill's have been blessed or cursed.

The author of "Marcelo in the Real World" has created another thought provoking young adult novel. We see sisters Kate and Mary dealing with the aftermath of their father's sudden death. To compound the situation, they must figure out how to continue to care for their mother who was left in a persistent vegetative state afte an accident years ealier. How will they continue to care for her? What can they afford? Should dreams of going to college or creating art be abandoned? What are the options? You will be captivated by the complex characters and their struggles to come to terms with these questions.

Mattie Brown and her mom have moved often.  This time, they have moved in with Uncle Potluck, the janitor at her new school.  Mattie has lots of fears and she is about to deal with her biggest.  Will she be able to make a "hound dog true' friend?

A 300 year-old Indian curse, a white tiger, and a lonely girl named Kelsey Hayes are at the center of this adventure packed fantasy/romance/mystery. Yes, this YA novel has it all!

Annie is overly cautious about everything now that her older brother has died. Through the help of those around her, she learns to worry less and enjoy life again. A wonderful, bittersweet story about coming to terms with the unexpected.

An engaging novel that touches on the Japanese-American internment camps of WWII, the 1940's Seattle jazz scene, prejudice, the ties to one's country, father and son relationships and love that will never be forgotten.